Wasatch Chorale preps for return to Carnegie Hall

PROVO  The Wasatch Chorale will open their concert season with a celebration of the music of Randall Thompson including "Alleluia," one of his most well-known and popular compositions. Thompson is one of the most widely performed 20th century American choral composers.

Other pieces by Thompson include "Frostiana," "The Lord Is My Shepherd" and "The Peaceable Kingdom."

Other songs include patriotic, folk, traditional spirituals and anthems.

The chorale performs under the direction of Dyanne Riley and is preparing to return to New York in May to perform at Carnegie Hall.

The Utah County group will join with select choruses from throughout North America to form a festival chorus to be conducted by John Rutter. This is the Wasatch Chorale's second visit to Carnegie Hall. They were in New York in May of this year to perform "Requiem."

"The vocalists received this invitation because of the quality of musicianship demonstrated by the singers and the exceptional recommendation given by Riley's colleagues. It is an elite honor to be invited to perform in Carnegie Hall," said Sara Bong, director of program development for MidAmerica Productions. "These wonderful musicians not only represent the quality of music and education within the institution, but they also become ambassadors for the entire community.

"This is an event of extreme pride for everybody and deserving of the community's recognition and support. I would encourage all business owners, civic leaders and the general public to be generous in their financial support for this opportunity."

Approximately half of the choir will make the trip back to New York in May of 2008 at a cost of $1,700 per person.

Sharon Monson, chorale president, said everyone is trying to pay their own way and for some, it's a double dip into the pocketbook.

"About 50 went in May, and we're taking 45-50 people this year," said Monson. She explained that the annual Boar's Head Festival proceeds go toward purchasing the chorale's sheet music and not for trip expenses.

The best way to help the chorale make the journey is for people to attend the chorale's concerts, said Monson.